China's July rare earth exports hit a four-month low amid demand lull

China's exports of rare earths in July extended a decline for a second straight month, down 17.3% from the prior month, as a summer lull dented overseas demand.

The world's largest rare earth producer shipped out 4,224 metric tons of the group of 17 minerals essential to electric vehicles, wind turbines and defense technology, data from the General Administration of Customs showed on Friday.

That was the lowest level for a single month since March, and was also 29.5% lower than 5,994 tons shipped out in July 2025.

Buying retreated as markets outside China entered a summer lull after stockpiling rare earth minerals in the second quarter, said analysts.

In the first seven months of 2026, rare earth exports slipped 10% from the prior year to 34,706 tons, the customs data showed.